Ecotoxicology and Aquatic Ecology Technician - Earth Sciences

At Earth Sciences New Zealand, we're bringing together exceptional science, technology and people to address the environmental, climate and natural hazard challenges facing Aotearoa New Zealand. As a collaborative and purpose-driven organisation, we're committed to delivering science that creates meaningful impact for communities, industry and the environment, while partnering with Māori, supporting Pacific resilience, and shaping a more sustainable future for generations to come.

About The Position

In this role, you will provide hands-on technical support across a wide range of environmentally focused research and consultancy projects. You will work across key laboratory areas including Ecotoxicology, Aquatic Ecology, Water Quality and Phycology, supporting activities such as toxicity testing, contaminant analysis, phytoplankton and water quality monitoring, and aquatic ecology projects.

The successful candidate will be practical, reliable and quality-focused, with the confidence to work in laboratory and field environments, handle samples and chemicals safely, maintain cultures, operate specialist equipment and contribute to accurate data capture, reporting and project delivery.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Undertaking freshwater and marine bioassays using a range of aquatic species and standardised toxicity tests.
• Maintaining algal and invertebrate cultures, including care of fauna and flora where required.
• Receiving, handling and processing samples, preparing and dispensing chemical reagents, and completing bench analyses.
• Using microscopy and a range of laboratory equipment and analytical instrumentation, such as pH and conductivity meters, balances, pipettes, ovens, centrifuges, biological safety cabinets and flow cytometry equipment.
• Entering, archiving and summarising field and laboratory data, including presenting results in tabular and graphical formats.
• Contributing to standard operating procedures, commercial proposals, client reports and small project delivery.
• Supporting Good Laboratory Practice, quality assurance and health, safety and wellbeing requirements.
• Participating in field work, including driving, wading and working confidently in freshwater, estuarine and coastal environments.

What You’ll Bring

• A tertiary qualification in science, such as a Diploma in Technology, NZCS, BSc or equivalent.
• A full driver licence.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to record, analyse and communicate technical information clearly.
• The physical ability and willingness to participate in laboratory and field work, including working safely with hazardous substances and using appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Ideally, 2-3 years' laboratory experience, including microscopy, hazardous substances handling, familiarity with standard laboratory equipment, and experience working with aquatic organisms.
• Experience in ecotoxicology bioassays, data interpretation, flow cytometry, scientific writing, project management, field work, and laboratory quality systems (e.g. ISO 17025 or GLP) would be advantageous.
• A practical, organised and detail-oriented approach, with a commitment to quality, safety and accurate documentation.
• The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, while adapting to changing priorities and learning new methods, technologies and systems.

What We Offer

• Varied, challenging and important work with talented colleagues in an organisation devoted to earth science.
• A high performing organisation with a focus on employee development and wellbeing
• Generous leave entitlements and employee benefits
• A permanent, full time (37.5 hours per week) position based at our campus in Hamilton.

Due to the nature of this position, some field work, culture maintenance, sample processing or project requirements may occasionally require work outside regular hours, including weekends or public holidays where appropriate. Around these requirements, flexible options such as start and finish times may be agreed and utilised.

View the full Position Description for this position at: https://careers.sciencenewzealand.org/niwa/about-us. If you have any questions about the role or application process, please contact Sign in to view email.

If this sounds like the next step in your career, we’d love to hear from you.

Applications close on Sunday, 9 August 2026